Every Praise

1 Peter 1:3-5

To give Him praise, we must decide within ourselves that God is more worthy than the circumstances that distract us – not because we are supposed to praise Him, but because, in spite of our circumstances, He is worthy of every praise.

1. He is our God. He is all knowing and all powerful, you can trust Him with your yesterday, today and tomorrow.

He is also Father.  One who ALWAYS keeps His word, loves you more than you could imagine, will NEVER leave you, will never let you go and will always provide for your needs.

Your God and heavenly Father is worthy of Every Praise!

That relationship comes through the Lord Jesus Christ.

That means you must know Jesus as Lord (surrendered to His authority over your life).  You must also know Jesus as Christ (your Savior through confession, repentance).

2. Peter describes another reason to give every praise to God: He has caused us to be born again to a living hope.

Because of your regenerate spirit, your desires change which, in turn, impacts your lifestyle and behavior.  God caused you, by His infinite power, to be regenerated to a living hope!

What is this living hope to which we have been born again? 

It is a confident expectation that is continually renewed through Scripture. As we study, obey and live out Scripture – we experience God’s truths which will cause our confidence in His word to increase!

This living hope comes according to His great mercy. (Lamentation 3:22-23)

Every praise goes to our God because His mercy is continually extended to us IN SPITE of us!

3. How was this living hope given to us? Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Jesus overcame that which separated us from God for all eternity so that we could be rejoined through Him for all eternity.  Jesus is not only the way in which we receive hope, He is the living hope!

4. Do you need another reason to praise God? Listen to the description of our possession:

• Salvation through Christ is imperishable.  (eternal and incorruptible)  It cannot be taken away because that would make it perishable.

• It is undefiled. (pure and holy) The world cannot touch it because that would make it defiled.

• It is unfading. It retains all that it was intended to be. Satan cannot influence it because that would make it less than what it was intended.

• It is kept in heaven for you. That means once your heavenly possession is given, it is your eternal gift.

Who is guarding your salvation? God in His power!

How much power does He possess? Infinite power. 

Who can overcome or reduce God’s power? NO ONE. 

Therefore, what He says He keeps for you cannot be removed or changed. 

We give God every praise for securing and guarding our salvation!

He is worthy of every praise because He is God and Father.

He is worthy of every praise because He caused us to be saved.

He is worthy of every praise because He secures His salvation and promises it will be made fully known to His children.

Psalm 42:5 “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation”

Every Praise is to our God!

Encouraged in Christ

1 Peter 1:1-2

Peter called the Christians “Elect Exiles” – or chosen strangers. Think about this: God chose you to be included in His plan for redemption and reconciliation!  In the midst of tragic events, overwhelming circumstances and betrayal, God offers His peace and unconditional love to you.

We are also strangers, or temporary residents, living displaced in a society that is foreign to us.  Our thoughts should often turn toward our heavenly home, we should adopt the culture and practices of heaven and understand we have heavenly rights and heavenly protection accessible now.

There are three actions that come together that will cause grace and peace to increase in your life.

1. The foreknowledge of God the Father

His current knowledge is complete in eternity past, present and future – knowing every decision and result possible and every decision and result made by everyone for all time.  While foreknowledge is complete, it is not causative (God’s foreknowledge does not dictate my steps or decisions).

What difference does that make to you? He already knows what you have faced, are facing and will face.  His grace and peace will increase in measure as you trust Him through your circumstances.

If the circumstances of your past are burdens today, Psalm 55:22.

If the circumstances of today weigh you down, Matthew 11:28-30

If the uncertainty of tomorrow brings you worry, Matthew 6:33-34

2. The sanctification of God the Spirit.

Sanctification is a process toward holiness.  According to Hebrews 10:10, a genuine Christian’s sanctification is complete in God’s eyes positionally.

But practically speaking, you and I still sin.  We cannot experience God’s peace in increasing measure if we continue living according to the ways of this world in increasing measure.  As our hearts become more aligned to God’s heart, we will experience more of His peace. 

3. Obedience to God the Son and the realization of His covering.

Colossians 3:3 says Christians are hidden with Christ in God.  That means the perfect obedience of Jesus toward God is applied to us, just as if it described our obedience to Him (positionally).

But practically speaking, we still live in disobedience. 

By our submission to the work of the Holy Spirit through Scripture, we live in obedience.  In the absence of our submission, we will not be transformed into His likeness or portray new life in Christ; further, we will not experience God’s grace and peace in increasing measure.

As we continue a life of obedience in increasing measure, we will encounter the Lord’s grace and peace in increasing measure. 

The sprinkling of His blood references the sacrifice made on your behalf by God Himself. 

 It is something you are experiencing today or it is something you are missing today.

Knowing you are a chosen people, planned for, paid for and reconciled to God through Jesus by the Holy Spirit – you will experience His grace and peace in increasing measure.

If you are not experiencing God’s grace today because you have not relinquished control of your life to Him, turned your back on your ways and surrendered to His – His offer still stands. Will you turn to Him today?